Method and Device for Covering Structures and Other Objects

ABSTRACT

The disclosed invention provides a non-adhesive, removable cover for concealing the lateral sidewalls of various structures and objects and a method for using said cover. This cover is intended for use on trash receptacles, storage containers, dumpsters, portable toilets, and other structures and objects. The cover can be made from a flexible material and can be printed with graphics to be used for advertisement or decoration on, or camouflage of, the lateral sidewalls of the structure or object, and may incorporate light emitting diodes (LEDs) for illumination. The cover is applied in one step by being pulled over the structure or object and employing integrated constriction means to maintain placement of the cover, wherein the flexible and stretchable material will allow the cover to snugly conform to the shape of the underlying structure or object without the use of adhesives or other attachment hardware. The cover is then easily removed by being pulled off of the object or structure.

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent 61/844,141, filed Jul. 9, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of covering structures and objects, generally, and particularly to an apparatus and method for covering structures and objects using flexible, non-adhesive material that allows for easy removal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Structures including dumpsters, trash receptacles, portable toilets, storage containers, storage sheds and other objects are commonly employed for temporary use in various locations, but often visually intrusive. Despite their unappealing and unpleasant appearance, the blighted presence of such unattractive structures and objects is tolerated due to their necessary utility for proper storage and sanitation. At events such as concerts, sporting events, festivals, fairs, political rallies, and other gatherings, additional trash and toilet facilities are often required to handle increased demands presented by the influx of a large number of people. In addition, when waste management, storage, or indoor plumbing is insufficient, inadequate, or unavailable; free-standing dumpsters, trash receptacles, portable toilets and storage containers are often utilized to provide suitable alternative facilities in construction sites, parks, private homes, and other locations.

Due to the size and utilitarian nature of such structures and objects, their presence creates a significant visual impact on their immediate surroundings. Accordingly, many communities feature ordinances or local laws restricting the placement of portable toilets and other outdoor structures such as storage containers, dumpsters, or trash receptacles. These regulations can include line-of-sight restrictions, color restrictions, and overall visibility restrictions.

Structures that serve as trash receptacles such as dumpsters are typically comprised of a rectangular structure with a floor and four rigid sidewalls that together define an interior compartment that is open at the top for collecting and containing solid waste. Such receptacles can come in a variety of standard sizes, including, but not limited to, 10 cubic yard, 15 cubic yard, 20 cubic yard, 30 cubic yard, and 40 cubic yard capacities, as well as smaller capacities for household use. Structures that serve as trash receptacles can also be comprised of a cylindrical structure with a round floor, a circular sidewall, and an open top, wherein the floor and sidewall create the interior compartment for collecting and containing waste.

Structures and objects that are used as storage containers can come in a variety of shapes, but are typically comprised of a structure with a floor, rigid sidewalls, and a roof that together define an interior compartment. Structures and objects that serve as storage containers may include access via a door or movable partition along one sidewall, or via an open or open-able top to the structure. In addition, structures and objects that serve as storage containers may also include household containers such as laundry baskets, storage tubs, or toy chests.

Free-standing, self-contained, portable toilet structures are usually comprised of a floor, four rigid walls, wherein one of the walls incorporates a door, and a roof. The roof of a portable toilet often features means for ventilation and is constructed of a translucent material so as to allow for ambient light to pass into the inside of the structure. In addition, occasionally the upper walls of a portable toilet structure incorporate ventilation openings. The door is designed to be shut whether the toilet is in use or vacant, with an interior lock mechanism often coupled with an exterior occupancy indicator. When the door of the toilet is closed, it sits flush with its surrounding wall. Therefore, per their design, portable toilets are fully enclosed, with four complete ground-to-roof walls that are only interrupted when the door is being actively opened or closed. Often, when more than one portable toilet is brought to an event, they are lined up adjacent to one another, creating a bank or block of portable toilets that create a largely continuous wall.

Various types of concealment or covering methods for structures and objects such as portable toilets, trash receptacles, storage containers, and dumpsters are known. One common concealment method employs rigid adjoining panes to cordon-off or disguise the presence of such structures and objects by creating a surrounding wall or cabana-like enclosure. However, these enclosures require significant assembly time, do not employ flexible materials, and do not necessarily provide the adequate amount of camouflage necessary due to inherent size discrepancies between the structures. In addition, other known concealment or covering means for such structures employ adhesive stickers, heat-applied wraps, or require attachment or fastening hardware to secure the cover to the structure or object beneath.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide a cover for concealing structures and objects such as portable toilets, storage containers, trash receptacles, and dumpsters to allow for the camouflage, decoration, or, in the alternative, utilization for advertising, of the walls of these structures and objects. A further object of the invention is to provide a cover for structures and objects such as portable toilets, storage containers, trash receptacles, and dumpsters to eliminate the eyesore that is associated with these structures and objects. A further object of the present invention is to provide a stretchable, removable, washable, and reusable form-fitting cover for structures and objects. A further object of the present invention is to provide a cover for structures and objects that has openings to correspond with the operational apparatus of the structure or object. A further object of the present invention is to mitigate the visual blight associated with such structures and objects and repurpose the large flat spaces created by these structures and objects to be used for alternative visual impression. A further object of the invention is to transform the lateral areas of structures and objects into a dynamic and noticeable advertising space that, by the very nature of the structure or object covered, is highly visible.

A further object of the present invention is to allow for the easy application and removal of the cover to structures or objects. The disclosed invention is easily applied by placing the cover over the top of the structure or object and pulling it down to the bottom along the sides of the structure or object, and employing constrictive means integrated along at least one edge of the cover for maintaining its placement. The disclosed invention is easily removed by easing the constrictive means and pulling the cover up and off of the top of the structure or object. A further object of the present invention is to provide a form-fitting cover that fits snugly around a structure or object without the use of adhesives or other hardware. A further object of the present invention is to provide a stretchable cover that fits snugly around a structure or object without interfering with the operational apparatus of the structure or object, including ventilation, accessibility, portability, or other functionality. A further object is to incorporate the use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) into the stretchable cover to allow for illumination of the cover for safety, convenience, and decoration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The disclosed invention consists of a cover for concealing the lateral sidewalls of structures and objects such as portable toilets, storage containers, trash receptacles, and dumpsters. The cover will fit over the lateral area of the structure or object and is easily installed and removed by simply pulling the disclosed cover over the top of the structure or object and utilizing an integrated constriction means so as to maintain vertical placement of the cover. The present invention provides a means of mitigating the visible presence of these structures or objects. The cover can be used to decorate or camouflage the structure or object or, in the alternative, provide an advertising space wherein graphics can be printed directly on to the cover. The present invention does not require the use of adhesives or hardware to be attached to the structure or object that it covers and is therefore easily removed.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a cover designed to fit snugly over the outside of a structure or object such as a portable toilet, storage container, trash receptacle, or dumpster without covering the top or bottom of the structure or object or interfering with the structure or object's operation. The cover is preferably constructed of one or more panels of stretchable or form-fitting material that allow for flexibility and elasticity, resulting in a snug fit upon application. Each panel consists of an upper edge, a lower edge, and two side edges, wherein each side edge of a panel is joined to a second side edge to form a continuous sheath with sidewalls so that the sheath is continuous along its sidewalls and open at its top and bottom. Constrictive means are integrated into the top edge of the cover so as to maintain vertical placement of the cover. Preferable constrictive means include a drawstring, elastic band, or any other cord, line, string, bungee, or other constrictive device. Constrictive means may also be integrated into the bottom edge of the cover to maintain placement. Preferable materials for the cover include flexible material including fabric such as Lycra or spandex, or any other stretchable film, fabric, plastic, or other form-fitting or clingy material. While the cover is preferably washable and reusable, the cover can also be for one-time, disposable use. The present invention is preferably simple in its design and preferably features easy and quick placement and removal. The preferred embodiment of the present invention requires no assembly of the device by the end user. The materials used are preferably both flexible and durable so that the cover does not catch, stag, or tear during its pull-on application, and is free of any sharp edges.

The cover will preferably be constructed in sizes corresponding with the standard size of the devices to which it is to be applied, including regular and handicapped size portable toilets, storage containers, dumpsters including but not limited to those with 10 cubic yard, 15 cubic yard, 20 cubic yard, 30 cubic yard, and 40 cubic yard capacities, trash receptacles, and other objects or structures. While many of these structures or objects are largely of standard size, the preferred flexibility and elasticity of the preferred materials will allow for the covers to be utilized on objects that differ slightly from industry standards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics and benefits of the invention shall become clearer following the detailed description below of an example of a preferred embodiment thereof, provided solely by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a panel for use in a cover as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation, in perspective, of a cover for a structure as disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic representation, in perspective, of an embodiment of a cover for a structure as disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic representation, in perspective, of an embodiment of a cover for a structure as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description of the Method and Device for Concealing Structures and Objects is disclosed hereafter with the help of the attached drawings which identify the numerical references used to designate parts.

The cover is comprised of one or more panels (1). A typical panel is shown in FIG. 1, wherein the panel (1) has an upper edge (2), a lower edge (3), two side edges (4), and integrated constriction means (5).

FIG. 2 illustrates a cover for concealing the lateral sidewalls of a structure, wherein the side edges (4) of a panel (1) are joined to form a sheath with sidewalls (6) wherein the sheath is continuous along its sidewalls and open at its top (7) and bottom (8), wherein the upper edge (2) of each panel features an integrated constriction means (5).

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a cover for concealing the lateral sidewalls of a structure wherein the side edges (4) of a panel (1) are joined to form a sheath with sidewalls (6) wherein the sheath is continuous along its sidewalls and open at its top (7) and bottom (8), wherein the upper edge (2) of each panel features an integrated constriction means (5); and the cover has openings (9) which correspond with the operational apparatus of the structure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a cover for concealing the lateral sidewalls of a structure wherein the side edges (4) of a panel (1) are joined to form a sheath with sidewalls (6) wherein the sheath is continuous along its sidewalls and open at its top (7) and bottom (8), wherein at least two sheaths (10, 11) are vertically aligned along their respective upper (2) and lower (3) edges and wherein along at least the upper edge (2) of one sheath is an integrated constriction means (5); and the cover has an opening (9) that corresponds with the operational apparatus of the structure.

The cover preferably consists of flexible and stretchable material to provide a snug, form-fitting encasement for a structure or object. The preferred embodiment of the cover is a sheath open on the top and bottom, so as to completely cover the lateral area of a structure or object. The cover is applied by pulling the form-fitting cover down over the top of the structure or object. The top edge of the cover features integrated constriction means so as to maintain vertical placement of the cover. Such constriction means can include an adjustable drawstring in one embodiment, or elastic bands in another embodiment. Once the cover is pulled down over the top of the structure or object, constriction means integrated in the cover are employed to maintain the cover's placement. A further embodiment includes constriction means integrated within the lower edge of the cover so as to further maintain its placement. A further embodiment includes two sheaths that are vertically aligned. In this embodiment, at least one sheath can be made of ventilating material.

Preferred embodiments of the cover will prevent interference with any operational apparatus of the covered structure, including any structural features that provide ventilation, accessibility, portability, security, or other functionality. For example, a cover for a portable toilet structure will preferably contain openings to correspond with its operational apparatus including doors, standard ventilation pipes or vents, door handles, occupancy indicators, and door locking mechanisms. As another example, a cover for a portable storage container structure will preferably contain operational openings to allow for the opening and closing of any sliding pieces and any corresponding locking mechanisms.

In the present invention, the cover for a portable toilet structure will incorporate an opening so as to correspond with the door of the toilet. In one possible embodiment, the cover will consists of two pieces—the first piece will be a sheath applied vertically over the entire structure so as to cover the lateral area of the portable toilet with an opening corresponding with the dimensions of the portable toilet's door. The second piece will then covers the door itself, with an opening to correspond with the operational apparatus such as the door handle, locking mechanism, and occupancy indicator. The second sheath will be constructed of the same stretchable material as the cover, but applied to the portable toilet door from the outside edge of the door toward the hinges that attach the door to the portable toilet structure. In this embodiment, the two coverings, once applied, provide full lateral coverage of the portable toilet structure. In another embodiment of the present invention, the cover for a portable toilet structure will be a single piece that will incorporate an opening so as to correspond with the door of the toilet and a “pocket” of material that will encase the door, with openings to correspond with the operational apparatus such as the door handle and occupancy indicator.

The present invention can be constructed out of material that features graphics so as to decorate or camouflage the structure or allow it to visually blend with its surroundings. Possible graphics could include forest, vegetation, or other camouflage, brick, wood, or other patterns, decorative designs, logos, or solid colors to eliminate the visual blight often associated with the structures or objects concealed by the present invention. In the alternative, the graphics on the present invention can feature an advertisement to display on the surface of the structure or object.

An embodiment of the present invention allows for the lateral sidewalls of structures or objects to be utilized as an advertising space. Commercial sponsors are often a part of large-scale events that employ such structures or objects that are used with the present invention. For such entities, their goal in sponsoring the event is to maximize exposure of their brand name and advertising throughout the venue. One embodiment of the present invention allows for the cover to feature graphics that encompass a full advertisement on one cover. This would allow for a repeating pattern of a single advertisement, or a variety of different advertisements to feature across a row or bank of portable toilets or other structures or objects. A further embodiment allows for a single large-scale advertisement to stretch across numerous structures or objects, with each cover featuring an individual graphic component of the large-scale advertisement. The cover can also be designed to allow for easy removal and replacement of placards. This could allow for examples of the changing notifications posted or change in advertising as desired.

In a further embodiment, the cover can feature integrated light emitting diodes (LEDs).

These LEDs can be incorporated into the printed advertisements so as to add illumination to specific portions of the advertisement. These LEDs can also be used to illuminate the handle of the door of a portable toilet cover so as to allow for its easy location when insufficient ambient light (such as after dark). LEDs can also be used to illuminate the occupancy indicator and allow for easy viewing of this when there is insufficient outdoor light. In addition, the LEDs can be used to outline the door in its entirety so as to allow for easy access and overall awareness.

It is not considered necessary to lengthen the content of this description for a person skilled in the art to understand its scope and the advantages ensuing from it, as well as to carry out a practical embodiment of its object.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, and given that the description made corresponds solely to an example of a preferred embodiment, it shall be understood that its essence may comprise numerous modifications and variations in detail, similarly contained within the scope of the invention, and which in particular may affect characteristics such as the shape, size or manufacturing materials, or others that do not alter the invention as it has been described and as defined in the following claims. 

1. A cover for concealing the lateral sidewalls of a structure comprising one or more panels wherein each panel has an upper edge, a lower edge, and two side edges; wherein each side edge of a panel is joined to a second side edge to form a sheath with sidewalls; wherein the sheath is continuous along its sidewalls and open at its top and bottom; and wherein along at least the upper edge of each panel is an integrated constriction means.
 2. A cover according to claim 1 that is comprised of one or more panels of flexible material.
 3. A cover according to claim 2 wherein the flexible material is stretchable.
 4. A cover according to claim 1 wherein the integrated constriction means is an adjustable drawstring.
 5. A cover according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the panels is printed with graphics.
 6. A cover according to claim 1 that incorporates light emitting diodes (LEDs).
 7. A cover according to claim 1 further comprised of openings which correspond with the operational apparatus of a structure.
 8. A cover according to claim 1 that is reusable.
 9. A cover according to claim 1 that is washable.
 10. A cover for concealing the lateral sidewalls of a structure comprising one or more panels wherein each panel has an upper edge, a lower edge, and two side edges; wherein each side edge of a panel is joined to a second side edge to form a sheath with sidewalls; wherein the sheath is continuous along its sidewalls and open at its top and bottom; wherein at least two sheaths are vertically aligned along their respective upper and lower edges and wherein along at least the upper edge of one sheath is an integrated constriction means.
 11. A cover according to claim 10 that is comprised of one or more panels of flexible material.
 12. A cover according to claim 11 wherein the flexible material is stretchable.
 13. A cover according to claim 10 wherein at least one sheath is comprised of ventilating material.
 14. A cover according to claim 10 wherein at least one of the panels is printed with graphics.
 15. A cover according to claim 10 that incorporates openings to correspond with the operational apparatus of the structure.
 16. A cover according to claim 10 that incorporates light emitting diodes (LEDs).
 17. A cover according to claim 10 that is reusable.
 18. A cover according to claim 10 that is washable.
 19. A method of temporarily covering and concealing the lateral sidewalls of structures and objects comprising: Producing a cover comprised of one or more panels of flexible material wherein each panel has an upper edge, a lower edge, and two side edges; wherein each side edge of a panel is joined to a second side edge to form a sheath with sidewalls; wherein the sheath is continuous along its sidewalls and open at its top and bottom; and wherein along at least the upper edge of each panel is an integrated constriction means; Pulling the cover over the top of the object whereby the cover fits to the form of the object; Employing integrated constriction means; and Removing the cover by easing the constriction means and pulling the cover over the top of the object. 